Seeking Gratitude at Work

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude — not just for my colleagues at KIP Search, but for the incredible professionals and leaders who trust me to play a role in their career journeys.

Gratitude is something I reflect on often in my work. Every search, every placement, every connection made is a reminder of how transformational hiring can be. It's not just about filling roles; it's about building futures — for companies, teams, and individuals.

One thing I’ve learned is that gratitude in leadership goes beyond words. It’s in how we show up, how we make decisions, and how we create opportunities that drive impact. For me, helping companies find culture-fit, A-Player candidates is more than a job — it’s a responsibility and a privilege.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, I hope you find moments to reflect on the people and opportunities that have shaped your year. Gratitude, after all, has a ripple effect.

This month, I’ve shared resources for professionals navigating hiring and career transitions in our latest newsletter, including:

• Best practices for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

• Strategies for building a personal brand that stands out

• Must-read articles for career-seekers

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻?

Let’s face it: ATS technology exists for a reason, but for job seekers, it can feel like a brick wall. These systems often filter out candidates who don’t match a narrow set of criteria — the “right” degree, exact keywords, or highly specific experience.

Here’s what I tell job seekers:

1️⃣ 𝗬𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 to highlight skills and achievements that align with the role.

2️⃣ 𝗡𝗼, 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗲 to fit a job description — authenticity is critical.

3️⃣ 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼, 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝘁 just because your experience doesn’t check every box.

Here’s the truth: For every "perfect fit," there’s an outlier candidate who should get a chance but might not make it past the ATS. These are the people we love to help at KIP Search. As recruiters, we go beyond the filters to connect companies with exceptional talent that a machine might miss.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by job applications or overlooked by ATS, let’s talk. You might be closer to your dream role than you think.

● How companies including Workday and Land O’Lakes approach flexible work perks for employees, on HR Brew

● Psychology Just Discovered the Type of Zoom Background Your Brain Likes Best, on Inc.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆) 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Building your personal brand might sound intimidating — or even unnecessary. I hear it all the time:

"Ugh, this is the part I hate... tooting my own horn."

But personal branding isn’t about boasting or bragging. It’s about clarity. It’s about showing hiring managers exactly who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re the best fit for the role.

Here’s where to start:

1️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀: Track your accomplishments and attach success metrics wherever possible. Quantifiable results are gold.

2️⃣ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Be clear about the kind of role you’re aiming for. Your brand should align with your career aspirations.

3️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Whether it’s on LinkedIn, in your resume, or during interviews, make sure your message is cohesive and compelling.

As a recruiter, I can tell you this: People who invest time in crafting their personal brand are better positioned to seize the right opportunities. And while it’s my job to connect you with top companies, your job is to tell your story in a way that resonates.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸

How are you feeling about your job? Grateful? Resentful? Ambivalent?

As we head into the holiday season, if you aren’t feeling utterly thankful about your current job, consider hitting “reply” on this email so we can find you one you love — before the new year.